microsoft-endpoint-configuration-manager-an-overview

Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager: An overview 

Life after 2020 has shaped how we work and build our work relationships in such a way that we are constantly seeking solutions that will allow productivity, collaboration, and management to coexist and propel our organization’s success. It is a fact that organizations nowadays require full, integrated control of their devices (both companies owned and personal) in order to maintain their data secured and manage efficiently their day-to-day operations. According to Forbes, only 23-25% of organizations have full management of their devices. Microsoft Endpoint Manager simplifies device management by integrating Configuration Manager and Intune, making it easy to handle device management with minimal complexity and simple licensing. By using this solution, organizations may continue utilizing their current Configuration Manager investments while also gaining access to the powerful capabilities of the Microsoft cloud at their own pace. As a unified solution, Microsoft Endpoint Manager integrates data security on both the cloud and on-premises.

Microsoft Endpoint Manager solutions and features 

Inside of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, you can find the following solutions: 

Configuration Manager

Formerly known as System Center Configuration Manager, Configuration Manager is a system management solution helps organizations increase productivity, optimize investments, and empower employees by providing secure and scalable application deployment, device management, cloud-based analytics, compliance settings management, and comprehensive reporting on the management of servers, desktops, and laptops. In addition, it integrates with different Microsoft solutions, such as:

  • Microsoft Intune, to co-manage different mobile device platforms
  • Microsoft Azure, to host cloud services 
  • Windows Server Update Services, to manage software updates
  • Certificate Services
  • Exchange Server and Exchange Online
  • Group Policy
  • DNS
  • Windows Automated Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) and the User State Migration Tool (USMT)
  • Windows Deployment Services (WDS)
  • Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance

Furthermore, Configuration Manager may also use:

  • Active Directory Domain Services and Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for device security
  • Microsoft SQL Server to manage databases and gain monitoring possibilities
  • Site system roles
  • Delivery Optimization, Windows Low Extra Delay Background Transport (LEDBAT), Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), BranchCache and other technologies to manage content between networks and devices

Microsoft Intune

Intune is Microsoft’s mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM) cloud-based solution. It helps organizations protect, manage, and simplify access to different devices, including mobile devices, desktop computers, and virtual endpoints. It manages apps, identities, and devices securely, while allowing automated policy deployment, self-service for end users, mobile threat defense, with a web-based admin center. 

Desktop Analytics

Microsoft’s Desktop Analytics is a powerful tool for organizations looking to manage and update Windows devices. This cloud-based platform integrates directly with Configuration Manager, allowing access to valuable information quickly and easily about the update readiness of all devices on the network. With Desktop Analytics, you may identify potential compatibility issues with apps and drivers, as well as gain valuable insights about security updates, apps, and devices. This platform provides data you need to make informed decisions and keep your organization’s devices running smoothly.

In addition, integrating Desktop Analytics with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager may give you the following benefits: 

  • Device and software inventory
  • Pilot identification
  • Issue identification
  • Configuration Manager Integration

Autopilot

Windows Autopilot is a complete solution that allows organizations to pre-configure new devices, making the process of setting up and deploying easier and efficient. This includes features such as self-deploying mode, where a new device can be set up and configured without the need for IT to physically touch the device. Additionally, Windows Autopilot allows for the customization of the out-of-box experience for users, so that new devices are configured with the specific settings, apps and policies that are relevant to the organization when the user first logs in. This makes it easier for users to be productive from the start, as well as for organizations to manage the devices and ensure compliance with organizational policies.

How to get Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager for my company?

After acknowledging the many features and benefits of having Configuration Manager, you may want to adapt this solution to your IT environment. You don’t have to do this on your own. On the contrary, you can get personalized assistance, hand-in-hand with experts on the adoption of Configuration Manager. Team Venti helps organizations by providing Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager consultants, and maximizing the potential of your organization’s adoption, as well as admin and end user training. Talk to one of our agents today to get started in your Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager journey.